News release

Northern Pulp Draft Terms of Reference Released

Environment and Climate Change

Nova Scotians can now provide input on the draft terms of reference that will guide Northern Pulp’s preparation of the environmental assessment report for its proposed mill transformation and new effluent treatment facility project in Pictou County.

Nova Scotians have until January 31, 2022, to comment:

The Province is also consulting directly with the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia.

The draft terms of reference document and Northern Pulp’s Class II Environmental Assessment Registration Document are available at: https://www.novascotia.ca/nse/ea/mill-transformation-and-effluent-treatment-facility/

Following public review of the draft terms of reference, Northern Pulp can comment on the submissions. After the terms of reference are finalized, the company has up to two years to submit its environmental assessment report for the proposed mill transformation and effluent treatment facility project.

After receiving the report, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change will refer it to an independent, appointed environmental assessment panel for evaluation.

Quick Facts:

  • the proposed Northern Pulp mill revitalization and new pulp effluent treatment plant project was registered for a Class II environmental assessment on December 7
  • a Class II environmental assessment typically takes 275 calendar days to complete, not including the time it takes the company to prepare an environmental assessment report